San Diego State University Athletics seeks an inspiring and strategic Associate Athletic Director of Community to lead initiatives that foster a thriving, inclusive, and connected culture across the department. Reporting to the Deputy Athletic Director for People and Culture/SWA, this role drives the department’s community engagement and culture-building efforts while supporting the overall mission of SDSU Athletics. The position guides the LEADS program, advancing professional development, belonging, and collaboration for staff and student-athletes. This is an opportunity to shape culture, influence change, and be a trusted advisor to senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion and implement the Athletics People and Culture mission, creating programs and metrics to strengthen engagement, while also serving as a frequent presenter at staff engagement activities and professional development opportunities.
• Lead and expand the LEADS program, providing professional development and fostering departmental growth.
• Collaborate with the Division of Student Affairs, HR, and campus partners to align Athletics with the University’s community goals.
• Assess and enhance department culture through climate assessments, strategic planning, and policy review.
• Support Title IX analysis and accountability.
• Serve as a consultant on hiring, retention, and culture initiatives to create an equitable and supportive environment.
• Partner with coaches and staff to build thriving environments for student-athletes and employees.

Why Join Us?

At SDSU, you’ll join a university that values people, culture, and community as the foundation of excellence. As part of the Division of Athletics, you’ll collaborate with passionate professionals dedicated to empowering student-athletes and advancing staff growth.  You’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact on organizational culture, influence strategic initiatives, and help shape the future of SDSU Athletics. Be part of a forward-thinking team that celebrates Aztec pride, innovation, and belonging.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• This position is approved for partial telecommuting with onsite work in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Department of Athletics, utilizing the services of over 150 employees, is responsible for the intercollegiate athletics program at San Diego State University.  Currently, there are 18 sport programs, approximately student-athletes, and 17 offices in the department.  The offices include the following: The Aztec Club/Development, Administration, Athletic Medicine, Business Office, Compliance, Communications, External Corporate Sales, Equipment, Event Management/Facilities and Operations, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Strength and Conditioning, Student-Athlete Academic Support Services, Ticket Office, and Video.

For more information regarding SDSU Athletics, click here.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree equivalent education and experience.
• Staff and student programming experience in an Athletics or higher educational setting.
• Five or more years of demonstrated success in leadership.

Key Qualifications

• Proven success in leadership and team development within complex organizations.
• Demonstrated experience advancing People & Culture or organizational development initiatives.
• Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills across all levels of an organization.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and conflict-resolution abilities.
• Skilled in project management, strategic planning, and balancing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Creative, solutions-focused leader with high emotional intelligence and a commitment to positive organizational change.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail.
• Background in legal, compliance, or human resources functions preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $100,000 to $120,000 annually.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by November 2, 2025 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Rachael Stalmann at rstalmann@sdsu.edu.